Orchid Care - American Orchid Society (2024)

Orchid Care - American Orchid Society (1)

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Orchid Care

Explore orchid care tips and tricks from the world's most trusted authority on orchids.

Orchid Care - American Orchid Society (3)

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Orchid Care and Culture

Orchid care, also known as orchid culture, is a balance of water, fertilizer, light, temperature, air movement, and humidity. Once you master these few basics, growing orchids becomes easy.

LightInvalid dateAppropriate lighting is critical for orchids to survive and bloom. Learn about the variety of light conditions.Learn about lighting for your orchids
WaterInvalid dateImproper watering is the number one reason orchids fail.Learn how to water your orchids correctly
Air MovementInvalid dateGood air circulation helps fend off many orchid problems.Learn how to provide good air circulation for your orchids
HumidityInvalid dateMost orchids are native to the subtropics where humidity is high.Learn more about giving your orchids the right amount of humidity
TemperatureInvalid dateOrchids are a lot like people. They don't want to be too hot or too cold.Learn more about the temperature needs of your orchid
FertilizerInvalid dateProper fertilizing will help your orchid develop a strong root system, healthy foliage and gorgeous flowers.Learn how and when to fertilize your orchids

Seasonal Orchid Care and Climate

  • Seasonal Orchid Care ChecklistsInvalid datePlant growth and flowering is tuned to the changing seasons. That's why we provide you with easy to follow seasonal orchid care checklists. The checklists cover January through December.See the Seasonal Care Checklists
    Discover Seasonal Orchid Care WebinarsInvalid dateWe've got some great webinars that cover seasonal orchid care.Watch Seasonal Orchid Care Webinars
    This month's Orchid Care ChecklistInvalid dateEach issue of Orchids Magazine covers the monthly orchid care checklist. Written by Tom Mirenda, orchid curator at the Smithsonian Institution. If you are an AOS member you can view or download the latest issue now.See the latest orchid care checklist

Explore Orchids and Their Care (A-Z)

Have you ever wondered if you could grow a Vanda in your home? Discover information about dozens of different orchid genera here.

Cattleya
Dendrobium
Phalaenopsis
Vanda
Cymbidium

Explore These and Many More Orchids by Alliance

Orchid Care - American Orchid Society (17)

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Troubleshooting Orchid Problems

Looking for information on how to get your orchid to rebloom or why the leaves are wrinkled?
Common orchid problems are discussed here with simple steps that can be taken to solve the problem.

Leaf ProblemsJune 2024Are your orchid leaves wrinkled? Do they have black spots? Are leaves falling off or becoming leathery?Learn more about orchid leaf problems and fixes
Bloom ProblemsJune 2024Wondering why your orchid won't rebloom? If you want your orchid to flower again, you're in the right place.Learn more about getting orchids to bloom and rebloom
Growing ProblemsJune 2024Are you experiencing other challenges growing your orchids? We've got answers.Learn more about other orchid growing problems

TROUBLESHOOT COMMON ORCHID PROBLEMS

Orchid Pests and Diseases

Learn to identify orchid pests and diseases with this easy troubleshooting guide. We also give you effective solutions to rid your orchids of these pests.

Aphids
Slugs and Snails
Caterpillars
Whiteflies
Mites

See the Most Common Orchid Pests and Diseases

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I cut the spike?Of all of the more commonly available orchids, only Phalaenopsis (the moth orchid) will rebloom from its old spike. Phalaenopsis will generally re-bloom given a little extra care.Read more
How do I water my orchid?Avoid overwatering which leads to the demise of many more orchids than underwatering. Constant wetness will cause the roots to rot, which leaves the plant without a means...Read more
How do I feed my orchid?Orchids need to be fed regularly. Growers suggest using a "balanced" fertilizer such as 20-20-20 that includes all "necessary trace elements."Read more
When should I repot?Orchid plants need repotting for one or a combination of two main factors: Potting mix breaks down, often evidenced by dead roots, or the plant outgrows the container.Read more
What is the best potting media?A fresh, fast-draining, but water-retentive medium is essential to the healthy root system necessary for good growth.Read more
Where in the house can I grow my orchid?South and east-facing windows work best for orchids. West-facing windows can be too hot in the afternoon and north-facing ones are usually too dark.Read more
Why won't my orchid re-bloom?Insufficient light is the most common cause of failure to re-bloom your orchid. Leaf color indicates if the amount of light is adequate.Read more
What's growing on the flower stem?A plantlet (called a keiki (kay-kee), the Hawaiian word for baby) will sometimes grow on a flower spike (called an "inflorescence").Read more
What is the best orchid for growing in the home?One of the most widely available orchids of the mass market types is also the best for the home - the phalaenopsis or moth orchid which will grow easily under the same conditions enjoyed...Read more
What should I look for when I buy an Orchid?Many consumers, both retail and retailer, find themselves in a position today of having to make purchase-oriented decisions about an entirely new — to them, at least — class of plants...Read more
Why are my orchid's leaves wrinkled and leathery?Shriveled leaves indicate a lack of water to plant tissue. The next step is to determine why the plant is not getting sufficient water.Read more
What's wrong with my orchid?There are many reasons why buds fall off before flowering...Read more

MORE QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Indoor Orchid GrowingLearn about the special needs of orchids grown indoors.Growing orchids indoors
Outdoor Orchid GrowingDiscover the nuances of growing your orchids outdoorsGrowing orchids outdoors
Greenhouse Orchid GrowingUncover the best approaches to growing orchids in a greenhouseGrowing orchids in a greenhouse

Ask the Orchid Doctor

Join the AOS Chief Science Officer for an informal discussion about orchids. Ron McHatton answers questions submitted to him about orchid care.

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Greenhouse Chat Recordings

We have dozens of Greenhouse Chat recordings waiting for you to watch now! Each one has a timestamped list of topics.

Upcoming Greenhouse Chats

Attend upcoming greenhouse chats live from the comfort of your computer or smartphone.

Explore Recordings and Upcoming Greenhouse Chats

Orchid Care - American Orchid Society (2024)

FAQs

Where is the best place to put an orchid in your house? ›

Most houseplant orchids like bright light, but not direct sun, such as on a north- or east-facing windowsill. They like regular watering and misting, preferably with rainwater or boiled water rather than tap water. Many need to be grown in bark-based orchid compost, rather than traditional houseplant compost.

What is the best homemade orchid food? ›

Egg Shells (contains Calcium)

Saving eggshells and using them as orchid fertilizer is the cheapest and most efficient way to get calcium to your orchids. Crush the egg shells into pieces as small as possible or use a pestle and mortar to grind them into a powder. Sprinkle it on the bark in the pot.

How to make orchids bloom constantly? ›

How To Make Your Orchid Rebloom
  1. Get fertilizing. Start fertilizing your plant every other week with either an all-balanced fertilizer, one labeled as "bloom booster" or even one specifically designed for Orchids. ...
  2. Increase light. ...
  3. Find a new spot for your plant.

What is the best fertilizer for orchids to bloom? ›

The NYBG Senior Curator of Orchids says it's best to use a balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 in powder form to supply all the primary nutrients needed for flowering plants.

Do you water an orchid from the top or bottom? ›

For orchids growing in sphagnum moss, you can water from the top the way you water other plants. However, you may find it easier to soak your orchids in the sink or a basin to give the moss enough time to rehydrate.

Do orchids rebloom on old stems? ›

Phalaenopsis orchids will rebloom on old stems; however, most other orchid types will not. However, cutting the spike down to three inches is recommended to redirect the plant's energy to the roots during dormancy.

Why is my orchid growing lots of roots but no flowers? ›

Like all plants, orchids require sufficient light in order to produce flowers. Insufficient light is the most common cause of failure to rebloom your orchid. Leaf color indicates if the amount of light is adequate. The lush, rich, dark green of most houseplants is not desirable in orchid leaves.

What is the secret to orchids? ›

In your home, place orchids in bright indirect light, never in direct sun. Orchids are sensitive to cold and drafts. Keep them away from vents and outside doors. Feed once a month with an orchid fertilizer.

Is Miracle-Gro for orchids good? ›

Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Orchid Food is a great way to nurture orchids and other acid-loving plants. It gives plants a deep, rich leaf color, beautiful blooms, and strong roots. Apply it every 2 weeks during active growth periods and every 4 weeks during rest periods.

Will coffee grounds help orchids? ›

While coffee grounds are a fantastic addition to your compost, the nature of their decomposition is not effective for most orchids. In addition, they cause rapid decomposition of orchid potting bark, creating an environment that is primed for root rot. It is best to save those grounds for other plants.

How do you keep orchids alive in the house? ›

bright indirect lighting (keep them near an east- or south-facing window or shaded patio) consistent watering (water them once a week during hot months and maybe every other week when it's cooler) good drainage (water roots growing outside your pot well but avoid getting water in the base of the plant) annual repotting.

What side of the house is best for orchids? ›

An east or south facing window provides bright enough light for growing orchids. South and east-facing windows work best for orchids. West_windows can be too hot in the afternoon and north-facing ones are usually too dark. A sheer curtain will cast light shade.

What is the best placement for orchids? ›

Choose a location with plenty of bright, indirect light; a south- or east-facing window is ideal. Allow the growing medium to dry out between waterings. Feed with an orchid-specific fertilizer or a balanced fertilizer formula such as 20-20-20 at one-fourth strength after thoroughly watering the plant once a week.

How often should you water an orchid? ›

In summary, whilst each scenario will be different depending on the growing environment, its generally a good idea to water your orchid every 7 to 11 days, or more specifically, when the mix the orchid is contained in gets dry. Too much watering can damage your plant and is the most common reason your orchid will die.

References

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